This Belly pistol is made from an original Hall M1843
carbine receiver. There are only 3 known
originals of these which still exist. This one was copied from an original found
in R.T. Huntington's book: Hall's Breechloaders. It was built by Steve Krolick of Novelty
Ordnance and, just like the originals, this belly pistol was put togething
using an Model 1843 Hall/North carbine receiver. This particular receiver was
bored out to .58 caliber prior to the Civil War as one of the guns involved in
the infamous "Fremont Hall Carbine Affair". The top of the receiver
is lightly pitted, but when when held in the right light, some of the letters
of the maker's stamp: “ U.S.” over “S.NORTH” over “MIDLtn” over “CONN.” over
“1848” can be faintly made out.These carbines saw hard use by union cavalry in
the western theater of the Civil War. The walnut handle was made from a damaged
M1843 Hall stock just like the originals.
Because an effort was made to utilize as many original parts
as possible during the building of the little pistol, there is some some slack
on the hammer while at rest, due to the original stirrup being stretched out a
bit. However, this does not impede the gun's functionality at all. Upon cocking the hammer, it becomes apparent
there is plenty of power in the main spring. We have test-fired this pistol and
it works like a dream. We recommend a charge is 15 grains of 2F and a ball of
530 – 540 with a patch.
This entire build is done to have the look and feel of such
a pistol made out of necessity and with available materials. Steve antiqued the
Walnut handle to match the receiver giving the whole pistol a well-used feel.
These pistols were often carried by militia and cavalry on
either side of the Civil War as a backup pistol. There is also some documented
usage of Hall breech-block pistols in Mexico and the Southwest. It would certainly would help to clear a path
in saloon.
This little pocket pistol would be the ideal collection to
anyone's collection, especially a collector of Hall's or other firearm
curiosities. This pistol would also be a great conversation piece at any living
history event or reenactment. Don't wait, this one-of-a-kind pistol won't last
long, and parts aren't available to build another!
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